Thinking time: Small firm owners and the Internet, learning through reflection

Abstract

The current government's emphasis on the importance of small firms for competitive advantage has led to different views on the way in which owner managers conduct their working lives. During a larger project which focused on the implementation of new information communications technology, a study occurred which explored whether reflection forms part of the managerial process in these firms, using two different methods to develop reflective practices in these firms. No conclusion is offered as to whether small firm owners are 'reflective practitioners' but recommendations are made as to how the process might be encouraged, especially with those managers for whom previous educational experience provides a barrier to learning and development.